DEFENCE PLAN

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 153, 25 March 1938, Page 11

DEFENCE PLAN

Australia To Spend £43,000,000 THREE-YEAR SCHEME Unprecedented Total For Commonwealth NEW EXPENDITURE By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright. (Received March 24, 11.10 p.m.) Canberra. March 24. Outlining the most sensational defence proposals over brought forward in Australia, tiie Prime Minister. Mr. JA. Lyons, to-night said tiie Commonwealth had decided on the expenditure of £43,000,000 during tiie next thrt\ years on the maintenance and develop nient of its defence resources, Tins unprecedented total will comprise £24,800,000 additional new expenditure spread over three years, ami £18.200,000 which would represent normal Budgetary commitments over three years for the maintenance of tiie defence forces on the existing basis. Mr. Lyons said the vital interests Australia was called on to defend were; First, the fgree passage of seaborne trade, both coastal and overseas. Secondly, tiie maintenance of the territorial integrity of the Commonwealth against aggression. ‘ Naval Defence. The new defence units which will be added during the three years are: The purchase from the British Government of two Sydney* type iooo>ton cruisers, one to be taken over next September and the other in July, 1989. The construction at Cockatoo dockyard of two naval sloeps, increasing the total number of sloops available for anti-submarine defence and patrol work to four. An increase of 1590 in seagoing personnel. Land Defence. An increase of permanent troops concentrated in vital parts, and tiie provision of a larger number ot key personnel to man the forts in emetgency. An increase in the supply of antiaircraft defence to the fullest extent which the ordnance factory at Melbourne can supply. The construction of anti-tank guns and rifles. The intensification of the mechamsation of army units. Air Defence. The following new units will be added to the present strength of the air force: — , Two squadrons stationed at Darwin. One squadron stationed at Brisbane. Three squadrons stationed at Canberra. . ’ Two squadrons stationed on a site to be selected’ on the southern New South Wales coast. An additional squadron in nestem Australia. There will be an intensification of the supply Of military aircraft constructed in Australia. Munitions Supplies. Referring to munitions, Mr. Lyons said there will be an intensification of production and development of poteutial resources. The total new expenditure will be; Navy £7,750,000 Army • • £5,500,000 Air Force £8,800,000 Munitions £2.800,000